An artist paints at the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club during the Adirondack Plein Air Festival in 2024. (Provided photo — Skip Murray)

SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack Plein Air Festival is an annual tradition in Saranac Lake, celebrating its 17th year in 2025. This unique event invites 40 artists from across the country to capture the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains through their art, painting plein air, Aug. 18 to Aug. 23.

“En plein air” is a French term meaning “in the open air.” It refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape or subject, rather than in a studio. This approach allows artists to capture natural light, atmosphere, and the changing conditions of the environment in real time.

The festival kicks off Monday, Aug. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. with a “Meet the Artists” reception at Hotel Saranac, where attendees can mingle with the painters and preview the week ahead. On Tuesday, artists head to Paul Smith’s College to “Paint the VIC’s” serene trails. Wednesday’s highlight is “Paint the Sunset” at Ampersand Bay Resort, where artists will paint as the sun goes down over Lower Saranac Lake.

Thursday brings “Paint the Town,” with artists will scatter throughout downtown Saranac Lake. The day also features the Third Thursday ArtWalk from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and the silent auction at the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery starts at 5 p.m. The winner of the “Nocturne Contest” will be announced at Hotel Saranac at 7:30 p.m. and a celebration honoring ArtWorks co-founder Sandra Hildreth’s retirement will follow.

On Friday, Aug. 22, artists will “Paint the Saranac River” from the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club. That evening, the Preview Party, showcasing hundreds of fresh works created during the week will start at 6 p.m. at the Harrietstown Town Hall. Tickets are $25 and include drinks and appetizers, with awards announced by juror Beth Bathe at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday wraps up the festival with the popular “Quick Draw” Competition from 9 to 11 a.m., where artists race to complete a painting in just two hours. The winner will be announced on the steps of Harrietstown Town Hall at 11:45 a.m. The Show and Sale will be open to the public with free admission at 11 a.m. The silent auction concludes at 4 p.m., and the festival officially ends an hour later.

Spectators are welcome to all of the events, and are encouraged to stop and watch artists at work. A printed schedule and list of painting locations can be picked up at event headquarters, the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery, 52 Main St. ArtWorks is also holding a special 50/50 raffle this year — the prize winner will be drawn at the conclusion of the festival and proceeds will go towards the Sandra Hildreth ArtWorks Scholarship – awarded to a graduating senior continuing their education in the arts. Visit saranaclakeartworks.org for more information.